Best of Springfield: All winners and placers from 2024

Tell us who’s the Best of Springfield for 2024!

The Best of Springfield contest, brought to you by the Greater Springfield Partnership and the Springfield News-Sun, is back this year with more than 80 contests covering all the best aspects of life in the area.

Tell us who’s the Best of Springfield for 2024! The Best of Springfield contest, brought to you by the Greater Springfield Partnership and the Springfield News-Sun, is back this year with more than 80 contests covering all the best aspects of life in the area.

It was another great year for the Best of Springfield contest, and it’s time to announce the winners and placers.

After more than 180,000 votes, the contest brought to you by the Springfield News-Sun and Greater Springfield Partnership had voters choose favorites in 80 categories.

Here are the winners and placers from this year:

AROUND TOWN

The debut of “Cowtherine’s Carousel” at Young’s Jersey Dairy is just around the corner. The 36-foot carousel featuring 21 horses, six Jersey cows, one pig, one goat and a rooster will open to the public at 7:30 p.m. on July 11. Each animal is hand painted and the horses are decorated to represent Young’s Homemade Ice Cream colors. NATALIE JONES/STAFF

Credit: Natalie Jones

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Credit: Natalie Jones

Best Artist

First Place: Gary Blevins Art Gallery

Finalist: Molly Mattin

Finalist: Peter Hrinko

Best Attraction

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Finalist: The Heritage Center of Clark County - Clark County Historical Society and Museum

Finalist: Hartman Rock Garden

Best Band

First Place: The Temps

Finalist: Allison Road Band

Finalist: The Weekend Effect

Best Community Supporter

First Place: Ryan Ray, Clark County Food Critic

Finalist: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop

Finalist: Park National Bank

Best DJ

First Place: DJ Chill

Finalist: DJ EZ

Finalist: A Family Affair Productions

Best Employer

First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Finalist: Springfield Masonic Community

Finalist: Klosterman Bakery

Best Place to Take Visitors

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

Finalist: COhatch Springfield

Best Place to Work

First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Finalist: Springfield Masonic Community

Finalist: Park National Bank

Best Social Media Follow

First Place: Clark County Food Fiends

Finalist: The Temps

Finalist: Resolute 937

AUTO

Best Auto Repair

First Place: Rogers Garage

Finalist: Hooten Automotive

Finalist: Brake Pros

Best Auto/Truck/Motorcycle Dealer

First Place: Bill Marine Auto Center

Finalist: Jay North

Finalist: SVG Buick GMC in Springfield

Best Car Wash

First Place: Fast Lane Wash & Lube

Finalist: WhiteWater Express Car Wash

Finalist: Take 5 Car Wash

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Infinity Nail Spa, located at 2017 N. Bechtle Ave., is open seven days a week. Contributed

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Best Barbershop

First Place: Beards & Beaus

Finalist: East High Barber Co.

Finalist: Nice Cuts Barber Shop

Best Massage Therapists

First Place: Two Hands Kneaded Massage Therapy

Finalist: Massage Mama

Finalist: Studio 39

Best Place to Get a Manicure

First Place: Infinity Nail Spa

Finalist: Fridays Hair and Nail Boutique

Finalist: Studio B Salon & Spa

Best Salon/Spa

First Place: Studio B Salon & Spa

Finalist: Bombshell Beauty Parlor

Finalist: Studio 39

FOOD, DINING & DRINKING

Beer writer and Advanced Cicerone David Nilsen led a winter beer tasting at Mother Stewart’s Brewing in Springfield on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. Attendees of the ticketed event sampled the following Mother Stewart’s beers: Porter, Disco Dancer Hazy IPA, Monastic Tendencies Belgian Triple, Imperial Pale Ale and the Fainting Goat Doppelbock which also included a sample of the barrel-aged version. David spoke about the ingredients and history of each beer style in addition to guiding the attendees through a sensory tasting. Did we spot you there? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Best Appetizers

First Place: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Finalist: Speakeasy Ramen

Best Asian Food

First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

Finalist: Tasty Wok

Finalist: Golden Chopsticks

Best Bakery

First Place: Le Torte Dolci

Finalist: Schuler’s Bakery

Finalist: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

Best Bar/Brewpub

First Place: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

Finalist: Mug & Jug Tavern

Finalist: O’Conners Irish Pub

Best BBQ

First Place: Rudy’s Smokehouse

Finalist: Christian Brothers Meat Company

Finalist: Poppy’s Smokehouse

Best Breakfast

First Place: Olympic Coney Island

Finalist: Ironworks Waffle Café

Finalist: The Ridgewood Café

Best Burger

First Place: The Ridgewood Café

Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Caterer

First Place: All Seasons Catering by Chef Troy

Finalist: Carmae Catering

Finalist: Casa Del Sabor

Best Chicken Sandwich

First Place: Chick-fil-A

Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

Finalist: Lees Famous Recipe Chicken

Best Chocolates

First Place: The Peanut Shoppe

Finalist: Winans Coffee & Chocolate

Finalist: Grandpa Joes Candy Shop

Best Cocktails

First Place: Krazy Taco 937

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

Best Coffeehouse

First Place: Scout’s Café

Finalist: Coffee Expressions

Finalist: Winans Coffee & Chocolate

Best Cookies

First Place: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

Finalist: Kay’s Creations

Finalist: Le Torte Dolci

Best Desserts

First Place: Le Torte Dolci

Finalist: D. Sweets Cookies & Gifts

Finalist: C Marie’s Sweet Seductions

Best Dine-In Restaurant

First Place: Casa Del Sabor

Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Donuts

First Place: Schuler’s Bakery

Finalist: Le Torte Dolci

Finalist: Dunkers and Beans

Best Farmers Market Vendor

First Place: Honey Creek Farm

Finalist: Fat Hen Farmhouse

Finalist: Sage & Oak

Best Food Truck

First Place: Blended By J

Finalist: Poppy’s Smokehouse

Finalist: Under Pressure Mobile Kitchen

Best Ice Cream

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Finalist: Lee Ann’s Dairy Delight

Finalist: Kone Korner

Best Italian Food

First Place: Eatly

Finalist: Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs

Finalist: Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Best Japanese Food/Sushi

First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

Finalist: Sake

Finalist: Sushi Hikari Moe

Best Lunch Spot

First Place: Casa Del Sabor

Finalist: Mike And Rosy’s Deli

Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Best Mexican Food

First Place: Casa Del Sabor

Finalist: Los Mariachis

Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Best Patio for Dining and Drinks

First Place: Mother Stewarts Brewing

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Finalist: The Ridgewood Café

Best Pizza

First Place: The Hickory Inn

Finalist: Catanzaro’s Pizza & Subs

Finalist: The Villa Pizzeria

Best Restaurant to take an Out-of-Towner

First Place: Speakeasy Ramen

Finalist: Stella Bleu Bistro

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Best Tacos

First Place: Casa Del Sabor

Finalist: Krazy Taco 937

Finalist: Chido’s Tacos

Best Wings

First Place: Bubby’s Chicken & Waffles

Finalist: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Finalist: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

HEALTH & MEDICAL

For 125 years, Springfield Masonic Community has provided personalized housing and tailored amenities to those 55 and over.

Credit: Springfield Masonic Community

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Credit: Springfield Masonic Community

Best Assisted Living/Retirement/Rehab Facility

First Place: Springfield Masonic Community

Finalist: Aventura at Oakwood Village

Finalist: Villa Springfield Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Best Dental Professional

First Place: North Spring Dental: Ahmed Afshan DDS

Finalist: Springfield Smiles

Finalist: Leslie C. Pinson DDS

Best Health/Fitness Club

First Place: Springfield Health & Fitness

Finalist: Rival Jiu-Jitsu

Finalist: Resolute 937

Best Optometrist

First Place: Sight Vision Care

Finalist: Dasher Family Eye Care

Finalist: Shawnee Optical

Best Pharmacy

First Place: Carson’s Northridge Pharmacy

Finalist: Madison Avenue Pharmacy

Finalist: Harding Road Pharmacy

Best Physician/Medical Specialist/General Practitioner

First Place: Megan L. Miller APRN CNP Direct Primary Care

Finalist: Laura Thompson

Finalist: Sarihan Alper DO

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Best Contractor/Construction Firm

First Place: Kapp Construction Inc

Finalist: Irwin Construction & Excavating

Finalist: Black Bear Roofing & Exteriors

Best Home Repair/Remodeling

First Place: Dependable Roofing

Finalist: Jaimez R&R

Finalist: RC Construction and Home Improvement

Best Landscaper

First Place: Gillam Lawncare & Landscaping

Finalist: B & B Lawn & Property Maintenance

Finalist: NewView Property Maintenance and Hardscapes

Best Nursery/Garden Center

First Place: Pendleton’s Produce

Finalist: Harmony Farm Market

Finalist: Meadow View Growers

Best Plumber

First Place: Dooley Service Pro

Finalist: Beedy Plumbing

Finalist: Mike Larson - Larson Plumbing

Best Roofing Company

First Place: Black Bear Roofing & Exteriors

Finalist: BCS Roofing & Solar

Finalist: Espinosa & Sons Roofing

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

A woman outside of Wright-Patt Credit Union on Xenia Avenue in East Dayton. CORNELIUS FROLIK / STAFF

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Best Animal Clinic/Veterinarian

First Place: Northside Veterinary Clinic

Finalist: Mad River Veterinary Hospital

Finalist: VCA Northwood Animal Hospital

Best Bank/Credit Union

First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Finalist: Park National Bank

Finalist: International Harvester Employee Credit Union

Best Customer Service

First Place: North Spring Dental

Finalist: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Finalist: Studio 39

Best Event Center

First Place: Bushnell Event Center

Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

Finalist: Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center

Best Financial Services Firm

First Place: Wright-Patt Credit Union

Finalist: Park National Bank

Finalist: Huntington National Bank

Best Insurance Agency

First Place: Elliott Insurance Agency

Finalist: Shelter Insurance - Sam Seibert

Finalist: Clingman Insurance

Best Local Photographer or Photo Studio

First Place: Cfrostphotography

Finalist: Loving Habits Photography

Finalist: Simplicity Rose Photography

Best Marketing or Design Firm

First Place: Route 40 Signs

Finalist: Big Fish Local

Finalist: OpenEye Studios

Best New Business

First Place: Frosty’s Good Food & Fine Spirits

Finalist: Field Kicks

Finalist: Studio 39

Best Non-Brick-and-Mortar Business

First Place: Blended By J

Finalist: Briella’s Hot Dogs

Finalist: Honeysuckle Soap Co

Best Pet Boarding Services

First Place: King Kennels

Finalist: Lucky Mutz Pet Resort

Finalist: Wags N Wiggles

Best Pet Grooming Services

First Place: Wet Your Whiskers

Finalist: Lucky Mutz Pet Resort

Finalist: King Kennels

Best Realtor/Real Estate Office

First Place: Coldwell Banker Heritage

Finalist: Real Estate II

Finalist: Glasshouse Realty Group

Best Wedding Venue

First Place: Bushnell Event Center

Finalist: Simon Kenton Inn

Finalist: Whitetail Lodge

RECREATION

Springfield native Griffin House kicked off the Summer Arts Festival at Veterans Park Amphitheater Friday, June 7, 2024. The free festival in it's 58th year continues with different acts through July 13. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey

Best Annual Festival

First Place: Springfield Summer Arts Festival

Finalist: South Vienna Corn Festival

Finalist: Happy Half Marathon

Best Bowling Alley

First Place: Northridge Lanes

Finalist: Victory Lanes

Best Live Music Venue

First Place: Veterans Park

Finalist: Mother Stewart’s Brewing

Finalist: The State Theater

Best Place for Kids Fun

First Place: Young’s Jersey Dairy

Finalist: USA Skate Center

Finalist: Building Block Play Studio

RETAIL

Bill and Cathy Ardle is selling Schneider's Florist after 53 years to the Ashley and Matt Nienaber.  BILL LACKEY/STAFF

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Best Bike Shop

First Place: Cyclotherapy

Finalist: Bicycle Stop

Best Boutique

First Place: Firefly Boutique

Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

Finalist: Sugar Shelf Boutique

Best Florist

First Place: Schneider’s Florist & Flower Delivery

Finalist: Netts Floral Company

Finalist: Annabelle’s Blooms

Best Place for Home Decor

First Place: Hobby Lobby

Finalist: Bella’s Primitives

Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

Best Place to buy Springfield gifts

First Place: Champion City Guide & Supply

Finalist: Ruthie’s Farmhouse Boutique

Finalist: Field Kicks

Best Place to Buy Women’s Clothes

First Place: Firefly Boutique

Finalist: Ruthies Farmhouse Boutique

Finalist: Cato Fashions